Vehicle Door Ice Detection and Automatic Unsticking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face operational inefficiencies due to stuck vehicle doors caused by ice formation, which are not easily detected and remediated without manual intervention, leading to unnecessary labor and interruptions in ridehail and delivery operations.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing diagnostic signals from the vehicle door motor controller and thermocouples to automate the detection of stuck doors, and employing HVAC, motion control, speakers, and deicing solutions to remediate the issue without manual intervention, with vehicle routing to facilities for further assistance if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection and clearing of ice from vehicle doors is performed, then stuck doors can be detected and remediated, but labor costs increase and operational interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle monitoring system automatically detects ice formation on doors through sensor data (temperature, door position, actuator current) and triggers remediation actions without human intervention. The system self-manages the detection and response process, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining door reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors door status, temperature, and actuator performance, using this feedback to detect ice formation conditions. When ice is detected, the system activates remediation (heating, motion exercises) and monitors until the door functions normally, creating a closed-loop automatic response system.
2Productivity
If automated detection systems are implemented, then manual labor is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing multi-functional vehicle components (door actuators, temperature sensors, HVAC systems) for dual purposes: their primary functions plus ice detection and remediation. This avoids adding dedicated complex detection hardware while achieving automated monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system acts as an intermediary layer that processes data from existing vehicle sensors and coordinates remediation through existing vehicle systems (HVAC, motion control). This intermediary approach integrates automation without requiring complete system redesign.
3Reliability
If remedial actions are delayed, then energy consumption is reduced, but door functionality deteriorates due to ice formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects ice formation conditions (low temperature combined with door position anomalies) and triggers remediation immediately, preventing complete door seizure. By acting at the early stage of ice formation rather than waiting for full malfunction, energy consumption is minimized while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic motion exercises and intermittent heating cycles to gradually melt ice and maintain door mobility. This periodic approach consumes less energy than continuous operation while effectively preventing ice adhesion and maintaining door functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operational efficiency of autonomous vehicle fleets by minimizing manual labor and interruptions, ensuring timely detection and remediation of stuck doors, thus optimizing ridehail and delivery operations.
Implementation Method 1
a thermocouple configured to determine a temperature
Implementation Method 2
perform at least one remedial action to release the vehicle door from the stuck position, wherein the remedial action is configured to at least one of melt the ice
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting and responding to stuck vehicle doors, where the doors are stuck due to ice formation on the vehicle. In particular, systems and methods are provided to utilize diagnostic signals from the vehicle door motor controller to automate the process of detecting stuck doors due to ice formation. Vehicle internal systems can be used to attempt to unstick a stuck door without manual intervention. Additionally, vehicle routing can be used to unstick a stuck door without manual intervention. For example, a vehicle can be routed to a facility where the temperature is above freezing so any ice formation on the vehicle will melt. Vehicle routing can also be used to route the vehicle to a facility for service to unstick the stuck door.